Hollywood actors shoot film in Worthing

Isabella Cipirska

Two famous actors headed to Worthing today to film a new biopic about comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly were being filmed at the Worthing Lido for the upcoming BBC film, Stan & Ollie, today (Friday, May 19).

The scene involves the judging of a beauty contest

The film is set in 1953, as the pair embark on their last music hall tour around post-war Britain together.

The Lido, owned by Worthing Borough Council, became the backdrop for a key scene in which Laurel and Hardy judge a beauty pageant.

Councillor Sean McDonald, the outgoing Mayor of Worthing, who is a big fan of the comedy pair, said: “This is the perfect location for this great comedy duo.

“I am absolutely delighted that the new Laurel and Hardy film is being filmed in my home town of Worthing.

The Lido was closed for the day

“I am a long time fan of the boys and a member of their fan club The Sons Of The Desert.

“I hope that the film is a great success and it just emphasises the opportunities available in Worthing.”

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, executive member for regeneration at Worthing Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly and the rest of the crew to Worthing.

“Our town has a fine heritage when it comes to film: from hosting some of the first moving pictures on the pier in the late 19th Century through to providing locations for more contemporary shows in recent years.

The outside area was closed to the public

“I can’t wait to see our town become the backdrop to the comic capers of Stan and Ollie, whose presence will help continue to put Worthing on the map.”

The film has been written by Jeff Pope, who worked with Steve Coogan on Oscar-nominated Philomena, and is being directed by Jon S Baird.

To accommodate the film crew, some parking bays were suspended for a day and agreement was sought with the leaseholder of the Lido as the rides were relocated for a day.